ALPURI: Torrential rains and powerful flash floods have caused widespread devastation in the remote Kana valley of Shangla district, washing away more than a dozen houses and cutting off the area from the rest of the district.
According to local residents, heavy downpours triggered sudden flood torrents that swept through villages late at night, destroying homes, roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure. Several link roads, including the main access road to Kana Valley, were badly damaged at multiple points, leaving the area completely isolated.
Residents said that more than 20 locally operated water mills, small businesses, and traditional “pin ghar” structures were also washed away, causing heavy financial losses to the local community. Agricultural land, orchards, and standing crops suffered severe damage, while electricity and communication systems were also disrupted.
Locals, including Fazal Ali and Younas Shah, said the floods struck during intense thunderstorms and darkness, giving people little time to react. Women, children, and elderly residents were forced to flee their homes in panic and seek shelter in safer areas.
Several affected families are still awaiting assistance as shortages of food, medicines, and clean drinking water continue to worsen in the flood-hit valley.Meanwhile, local authorities said an assessment of the affected areas is underway and relevant departments have been placed on alert. However, continuous rainfall and blocked roads are creating major hurdles for rescue and relief activities.
